Multilingual Learner Clubs
Multilingual Learner Clubs Launch at Capuchino, Hillsdale and San Mateo High Schools
Multilingual Learners (ML) Clubs were launched at Bridge Academy, Capuchino, Hillsdale and San Mateo High Schools in 2023-2024. Under the guidance of the MLP Manager, ML Club Coordinators advise students in the club and organize/supervise after-school activities for multilingual learner students, prioritizing newcomer students. The ML Club’s goal is to provide opportunities for ML students to become more involved with their school community, learn about American culture, to socialize and build community after school with their peers, do homework, provide tutoring, and participate in activities that develop their leadership capacity. The ML Club spaces are in line with our site’s goals of inclusion for students, and the DELAC recommendations of opportunities for Multilingual Learners students to be more involved in the school.
Highlights
Multilingual Learners (ML) Clubs have been active at Bridge Academy, Capuchino, Hillsdale and San Mateo High Schools since 2023.. Under the guidance of the MLP Manager, ML Club Coordinators advise students in the club and organize/supervise after-school activities for multilingual learner students, prioritizing newcomer students. The ML Club’s goal is to provide opportunities for ML students to become more involved with their school community, learn about American culture, to socialize and build community after school with their peers, do homework, provide tutoring, and participate in activities that develop their leadership capacity. The ML Club spaces are in line with our site’s goals of inclusion for students, and the DELAC recommendations of opportunities for Multilingual Learners students to be more involved in the school.
At Hillsdale High School, the ML Club Coordinator hosts a daily Homework Club with tutors on site that averages about 15-20 students. Club activities include:
- Holiday parties
- Shopping at the HHS Community Closet
- Wellness Wednesdays with the Newcomer School Social Worker and Multilingual Specialist
- Collaborating with other student clubs
- Learning about other resources available at HHS, including the HHS Bike Club which offers free bikes to students
- Helping students better communicate with their teachers and parents/guardians
- Field trips to community colleges
- Movie nights and more
At Capuchino High School, the ML Club regularly hosts about 25 students every week with 30-40 students coming to the club events. Example events the club has hosted include:
- Movie Nights with Pizza
- Halloween Night (Pumpkin Decorating Contest and Candy Bowl Challenge)
- Club Fair - Ice Cream Conchas (Selling Ice Cream Conchas and raising money for the club)
- Thanksgiving Potluck
- Gingerbread House making and Abuelita's hot chocolate
At San Mateo High, the Club Coordinator hosts an after school space for students to catch up on homework or receive tutoring. Students can also just come and hang out with their friends. 18-20 students consistently attend. ML Club events have included taking a field trip to Allcove San Mateo, a drop-in center for youth to find community, support, advice or even just a moment of pause. Students learn about the various resources available to them at Allcove and have worked on vision boards and played community building games during their field trips. The club also collaborates with the SMHS Latin Parent Organization (LPO) to host events such as a Posada for the SMHS community in December
At Bridge Academy, the ML Club hosts a monthly event to build community and teach students about traditions in the USA. Some of the events include: